Community education and regional growth
through personal experiences
The Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MPRC) is a multi-state organization which works collectively to preserve, promote, and enhance the scenic, historic and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster the economic growth of the corridor, and to develop the national, scenic and historic parkway known as the Great River Road. As part of the MPRC, the Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Comission focuses on the same mission objectives in relation to Iowa's portions of the National Scenic Byway, the Iowa Great River Road and the Missississippi River Valley.
This website was created to educate residents, visitors and travelers of the Great River about the many cultural opportunities along the road. From historical tours and educational guided hikes in some of Iowa's most beautiful protected lands, to civic and entertainment options to enhance any trip along Iowa's eastern shore, IowaGreatRiverRoad.com is intended to be the resource to guide that learning through a calendar of events, an organization of informative articles and tools to help visitors plan they experience in advance. Whether you are living, working or just playing along the Iowa Great River Road, we are all constantly learning about it as we interact and growing in respect, pride and appreciation for the natural wonder we encounter along the way.
Some specific goals and objectives of the Iowa Mississippi River PArkway Commission include:
- Assist in coordinating the increase of investment and awareness of the National Scenic ByWay/Iowa Great River Road and its amenities with roadside parks, scenic overlooks, educational experineces, and interactive opportunities and historic information.
- Increase the awareness for stakeholders of funding through transportation enhancement funds.
- Develop communication opportunities to tell the stories of the National Scenic Byway/Great River Road.
- Arrange community involvement meetings and workshops.
- Advocate for the Great River Road development studies.
- Advocate for the use of sustainable design principles such as L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
A major factor in achieving these goals and objectives is partnering with area and national groups and associations that have similar goals and interests. By networking with other organizations, we can best utilize all our assets, including financial, contacts and personnel.
Historically, the MRPC has coordinated efforts on federal, state, and local levels to leverage millions of dollars for highway improvements, recreation trails, bikeways, scenic overlooks, and historic preservation. The MRPC also coordinates both domestic and international marketing for the river valley, and facilitates efforts to enhance economic development and resource awareness.
The work of the MRPC is accomplished through the following committees: Transportation, Marketing, Culture & Heritage, and Environment, Recreation & Agriculture. Participation in these committees is open to both MRPC members and technical advisors.
Also operating under the umbrella of the MRPC, is Mississippi River Country, U.S. A., a regional tourism organization comprised of the travel directors of the ten Mississippi River states. This program utilizes the worldwide awareness of the Mississippi River to promote travel to the river - and beyond its shores - to other exciting attractions throughout the river states region.
The National MRPC is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The general membership gathers twice each year at an Annual and Semi-Annual meeting. Individual state commissions meet quarterly or as their work plan dictates.